Networked Fire Detection Device with Solar Power and Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current forest fire detection and notification systems rely on human visual monitoring, which is ineffective in sparsely populated or remote areas, leading to delayed detection and inefficient fire prevention and control.

Innovation Solution

A networked fire detection device system comprising temperature, flame, and humidity sensors, connected to a communication network, that automatically detects hazardous conditions and generates alerts, using a fireproof vessel with solar-powered energy storage for remote operation, allowing for rapid notification and response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human visual monitoring is used for forest fire detection, then the system is simple and low-cost, but detection effectiveness is poor in remote areas and response time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fire detection device autonomously monitors environmental conditions using sensors and automatically transmits alerts when hazardous conditions are detected, eliminating the need for continuous human visual monitoring and enabling reliable detection in remote areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces human visual monitoring with an automated electronic detection system using temperature sensors, flame sensors, and humidity sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and trigger alerts based on predefined thresholds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If automated sensor-based detection is implemented, then detection speed and response time are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into independent functional modules including temperature sensing, flame sensing, humidity sensing, data processing, and alert transmission, allowing each component to be optimized separately and simplifying overall system implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors multiple environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, flame presence) simultaneously and uses threshold-based detection to trigger alerts, enabling rapid response to changing fire conditions through real-time parameter monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If fire detection devices are deployed in remote forested areas, then fire detection coverage is improved, but power supply becomes a limiting factor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device operates in periodic cycles, collecting environmental data continuously and transmitting alerts only when hazardous conditions are detected, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective monitoring coverage across remote areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from environmental sensors to dynamically adjust its operation, remaining in low-power mode during normal conditions and activating full monitoring and transmission functions only when fire hazards are detected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If fireproof materials and insulation are used to protect the device, then device reliability in fire conditions is improved, but device weight and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device housing combines fireproof materials with insulating layers to provide both fire resistance and thermal protection, achieving reliable operation in fire-prone environments while managing the complexity through integrated material selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables timely and efficient detection and notification of forest fires in remote areas, reducing the risk of fire spread and improving response times through automated monitoring and alert systems.

Implementation Method 1

A fire detection device is provided comprising a temperature sensor and a flame sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

A fire detection device is provided comprising a temperature sensor and a flame sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlame detection:

Implementation Method 3

In one embodiment, the fire detection device comprises a smoke sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSmoke detection:

Implementation Method 4

In another embodiment, the fire detection device comprises a humidity sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHumidity sensing:

Implementation Method 5

In yet another embodiment, the energy collection device is a solar panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy collection: Solar Energy

Implementation Method 6

In yet another embodiment, the fire detection device comprises fireproof or fire resistant insulation within the interior cavity of the vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10762758B2Fire detection device and notification system
Publication Date: 2020.09.01 INFERNOGUARD INC
  • US10762758B2 patent drawing
  • US10762758B2 patent drawing
  • US10762758B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to, in general, a fire detection device and notification system configured for generating alerts based on detected environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, presence of flame or smoke or combustion gas). In some embodiments, the fire detection device employs various sensor devices (e.g., temperature, humidity, flame, smoke, gas, and the like) to collect environmental data and determine whether the detected environmental conditions indicate the presence of or the increased possibility of a fire. In some embodiments, the invention further comprises a notification system for automatically generating and transmitting alerts to one or more computing devices (e.g., responder dispatch systems) based on the detection of hazardous conditions.